Politics
GOP Lawmakers Blast Pentagon Over Military Voting Shortfalls as Election Day Looms
Clear Facts
- Republican lawmakers have raised concerns about inadequate voting resources for military service members ahead of Election Day.
- GOP congressmen have written to the Secretary of Defense, highlighting deficiencies in voting protocols and a lack of awareness among service members about their voting options.
- The Defense Department claims to have trained over 3,000 Voting Assistance Officers to support military voters in the 2024 election cycle.
As Election Day approaches, Republican lawmakers are voicing serious concerns about the Pentagon’s preparedness to facilitate voting for military service members. Reports have emerged suggesting that active duty personnel are facing challenges due to insufficient resources, which could hinder their ability to vote.
Representatives Brian Mast, Bill Huizenga, and Mike Waltz have taken decisive action by addressing a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. They expressed “grave concern” regarding the “deficiencies in the Defense Department’s protocols,” which they argue include a lack of adequate education for service members on how to register and vote.
“Our nation’s brave men and women in uniform brought to our attention that there has been inadequate education at the administrative level on how to register to vote,” the lawmakers stated.
There are also alarming claims that some military bases have depleted their stockpile of write-in absentee ballots, leaving service members without necessary voting materials. The congressmen emphasize the importance of the Pentagon mobilizing resources to ensure that military personnel can cast their votes.
The lawmakers have requested clarity on the training provided to service members and the availability of federal write-in absentee ballots. They are also seeking assurance that military voters have had sufficient time to familiarize themselves with their voting options.
Brian Mast, a veteran himself, criticized the current administration, stating that federal manpower has been mobilized to block state-level election integrity measures.
He further added, “This is absolutely unacceptable. Our nation’s elite warriors deserve to have every opportunity to vote for the next commander-in-chief.”
Mike Waltz, who served in the U.S. Army and National Guard, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the need for assurances that service members have the necessary information to vote.
Waltz remarked on the importance of supporting warfighters serving in combat zones.
Bill Huizenga also expressed his dissatisfaction, describing the situation as “completely unacceptable” and criticizing the administration for not adequately supporting service members.
In response, a Defense official stated that voting materials at military installations are based on local demand and that service members can access necessary materials online. The official highlighted the training of over 3,000 Voting Assistance Officers to aid military voters.
“In addition to designating Voting Assistance Officers, every installation commander ensures voting assistance is included in the administrative in-processing,” the official noted.
The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act governs military voting procedures, ensuring service members are informed of elections and that their ballots are expedited for federal elections.
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